It is still possible for backcountry travelers to trigger large slab avalanches on weak layers buried at the base of the snowpack. While the likelihood of triggering these large slides is low, the consequences are high and these persistent slab avalanches remain the primary concern in this forecast area. The secondary concern is small surface slides from several inches of recent snowfall. These slides will be isolated to the highest elevations on steep wind-loaded slopes and could be problematic in extreme terrain. At the lowest elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely.
The faceted snow buried 2 to 4 feet deep in the snowpack is unpredictable, and several days may pass before an avalanche is triggered. It is important to evaluate the snowpack before committing to steep terrain. To manage this avalanche problem, follow safe travel protocols of only exposing one person at a time and avoid stopping in runout zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Lingering cloud cover overnight is expected to keep the low temperatures above zero. Then during the day, temperatures will warm into the twenties. Skies are expected to be mostly sunny and ridgetop winds will remain light out of the north.Overall avalanche activity is expected to be minimal. In the Togwotee Pass forecast area, the avalanche hazard remains Moderate, and it will be possible for humans to trigger large avalanches. These slides could be 2 to 4 feet in depth and be triggered without being on the slope. In the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast areas, the snowpack is mostly stable and the avalanche hazard will be Low. At the upper elevations, small surface slabs less than a foot in depth could be found on steep unsupported slopes. These avalanches could become more reactive after periods of warming. At the lower elevations in all the forecast areas, avalanche activity is unlikely.
